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France Energy Performance Certificate (DPE)

France Energy Performance Certificate (DPE): France’s DPE: Mandatory Energy Performance Certificates for Property Sales and Rentals

Maílis Carrilho
Written by Maílis Carrilho
Updated on December 2nd, 2025

Summary

The Diagnostic de performance énergétique (DPE) is a mandatory energy performance certificate required for selling or renting residential property in France. It assigns an A–G label based on energy consumption and greenhouse gas performance. Owners must obtain a certified inspection, display DPE ratings in listings, and provide the certificate at contract signing. Dwellings rated G are banned from rental as of 2025, with progressive bans on F and E classes scheduled. Certificates are generally valid for ten years, with specific rules for older documents. Some small, temporary, or protected buildings may be exempt. Non-compliance can lead to fines, contract disputes, and renovation orders.

Details

Jurisdictions
  • France
Exemptions

DPE obligations are legally binding for property owners and landlords in France.

Criteria:

Obtain a DPE inspection by a certified professional.

Display the rating in advertisements.

Provide the certificate to buyers/tenants at contract signing.

Respect rental bans on low-performance dwellings.

Keep certificates updated within their validity period (normally 10 years).

Exceptions:

Some small or temporary buildings may be exempt.

Protected/historic buildings may have partial derogations.

Non-residential buildings follow separate performance schemes.

Deep dive

1 min read
Updated Dec 2, 2025

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What’s Required

Property owners must obtain a certified energy performance assessment when selling or renting residential property. The DPE assigns an A–G rating based on energy use and emissions. The rating must appear in property listings and be annexed to contracts. Rental of poorly rated dwellings is progressively restricted, with G-rated homes banned from rental as of 2025.

Important Deadlines

  • DPE required before listing a property for sale/rent.

  • Rental ban deadlines: G (2025), F (2028), E (2034).

Current Status

  • Fully binding and legally “opposable” since 2021.

  • Significant reforms in 2024 and upcoming methodology updates in 2026.

  • Rental bans on F/G/E dwellings progressing as planned.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Fines for missing or invalid DPE.

  • Rental sanctions for renting non-decent (G-rated) dwellings.

  • Civil liability for misleading or inaccurate DPE information.

  • Potential renovation orders.

Examples of Known Violations

As of November 2025, violations mainly relate to renting sub-standard dwellings and inaccurate DPEs reported in the press; no consolidated public list of fines exists.

Resources

Maílis Carrilho
Added by:
Maílis Carrilho
Sustainability Research Analyst
Maílis Carrilho is a Sustainability Research Analyst (Intern) at Net Zero Compare, contributing research and analysis on climate tech, carbon policies, and sustainable solutions. She supports the team in developing fact-based content and insights to help companies and readers navigate the evolving sustainability landscape.
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Added on Dec 1, 2025 by Maílis Carrilho · Updated on Dec 2, 2025
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